unlocking your teens potential: a guide for peak performance through sleep
I recently had an amazing opportunity to speak in front of 250 high school athletes about the benefits of sleep and how it impacts performance. I wanted to share the highlights with you to help unlock your teens potential and provide a guide for peak performance.
Sleep is totally underrated. It doesn’t get the fanfare it deserves. Most of us don’t make sleep a priority and it can be the one thing we all need to take our health, our mind, our athletic and academic performance to the NEXT LEVEL.
The annual sleep in America poll estimated the hours of sleep have gradually decreased over the last decade. The poll indicates that a growing percentage of Americans are getting less than six hours of sleep and the number of people who get eight or more hours is dwindling.
Studies have shown that sleep improves fine motor skills, reaction time, muscular power and endurance, and problem solving.
Here are some top benefits of sleep to gain the academic and athletic performance your teen and YOU are striving for!
Mental acuity, focus, and decision-making: Teens need to be mentally sharp to perform at their best, whether it is strategizing during a game, executing complex movements in sports, or being laser focused in and out of the classroom.
Physical recovery: Sleep is when the body repairs and rebuilds itself. For athletes, this means that muscle tissues damaged during training or competition can heal more effectively during sleep. Adequate sleep helps reduce the risk of injuries and allows the body to recover faster.
Game changer for your MOOD: Sleep is linked to mood regulation. Teens who get enough sleep are better equipped to handle the stress and emotional demands of competitive sports and academics. Poor sleep can lead to increased irritability and mood swings.
Stress Reduction: High-achieving students and athletes can put a lot of stress on a teens body and mind. Sleep is a natural stress reducer, helping teens manage anxiety and recover from the physical and mental toll of performing at a high level.
Keeps you healthy: Sleep boosts the immune system, helping to protect us from illnesses that could sideline classwork, training, ando/or competition schedules..
“The way to a more productive, more inspired, more joyful life is getting enough sleep.” – Arianna Huffington
It is important for teens to prioritize sleep and aim for 8-10 hours of quality sleep per night. Good sleep hygiene practices, such as maintaining a regular sleep schedule, creating a comfortable sleep environment, and minimizing screen time before bedtime, can contribute to better sleep quality and overall peak performance!
Tips and Tricks to gain more sleep.
Go old school….get an alarm.
Plug up your phone outside of your bedroom at night.
Develop a sleep routine…our brain loves habits.
Journal. If your mind has trouble shutting down, write it out!
Dark, cool room. Lights out….even LED
Without enough sleep, the brain cannot function properly
SLEEP is key for performance!
Getting in back to school mode and creating a good sleep routine will set you up for a great year ahead….GET MORE SLEEP!
Slept Well my friends!
